Desire to give voters a choice fuels unlikely campaign

Kenneth Paul Jenkins is likely the most unusual candidate facing voters this November.

And it’s not because Jenkins is the only African-American bidding for state office in Macomb County.

Jenkins is a Democrat in the 10th District, which includes Sterling Heights, Macomb Township and a large portion of Clinton Township. It is considered a conservative, mostly Republican district. Incumbent Tory Rocca, of Sterling Heights, is facing opposition from Jake Alexander Null of Macomb Township in the Republican August primary.

Jenkins vs. Rocca in the general election is most probable.

But Jenkins’ campaign vault is practically empty.

With less than $1,000, Jenkins plans to distribute T-shirts, bumper stickers and put up a few signs.

With so little money, why bother?

Let’s just call Kenneth Paul Jenkins “the reluctant candidate.”

When he filed as a Senate candidate, he pledged to withdraw if another Democrat entered the race.